Urgent SNAP Update: Mass Food Stamp Replacements Approved for Thousands After Hurricane Helene—Find Out if You Qualify!

Urgent SNAP Update: Mass Food Stamp Replacements Approved for Thousands After Hurricane Helene—Find Out if You Qualify!

The Georgia Department of Human Services recently extended the timeframe for reporting food loss due to Hurricane Helene for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Initially, affected individuals were provided extra time to apply for replacements, but the state has now obtained a waiver that allows for mass replacement of SNAP benefits in certain counties. This means that there is no need for residents in qualifying areas to check reporting deadlines, as food stamp benefits will be automatically replaced.

Counties Eligible for SNAP Replacement

The waiver applies to specific counties impacted by the storm, particularly those experiencing significant power outages. As a result, residents who purchased food with SNAP benefits do not need to file a formal report of food loss. The widespread food loss is attributed primarily to extended power outages caused by Hurricane Helene.

Deadline for SNAP Replacement Reporting in Georgia

Initially, SNAP beneficiaries who suffered food loss in September 2024 had until October 25, 2024, to report and request replacements. However, for counties covered under the waiver, no reporting is necessary. Eligible recipients will automatically receive replacements for food lost due to the storm’s power outages, provided the outage lasted at least four hours.

Check If Your County Qualifies

If you’re unsure whether your county qualifies for the SNAP replacement waiver, check the list of counties below. If your county is included, there is no need to submit a claim. However, if your county is not listed, you will still have until October 25, 2024, to request replacement of your SNAP benefits.

Counties Eligible for SNAP Mass Replacement (as of October 2024):

  • Wilkes
  • Wilcox
  • Wheeler
  • Wayne
  • Washington
  • Warren
  • Ware
  • Treutlen
  • Toombs
  • Tift
  • Telfair
  • Tattnall
  • Taliaferro
  • Stephens
  • Richmond
  • Rabun
  • Pierce
  • Montgomery
  • McIntosh
  • McDuffie
  • Lowndes
  • Long
  • Lincoln
  • Liberty
  • Laurens
  • Lanier
  • Johnson
  • Jenkins
  • Jefferson
  • Jeff Davis
  • Irwin
  • Hancock
  • Glynn
  • Glascock
  • Evans
  • Emanuel
  • Elbert
  • Effingham
  • Echols
  • Dodge
  • Columbia
  • Colquitt
  • Coffee
  • Clinch
  • Chatham
  • Charlton
  • Candler
  • Camden
  • Burke
  • Bulloch
  • Bryan
  • Brantley
  • Bleckley
  • Berrien
  • Ben Hill
  • Bacon
  • Atkinson
  • Appling

What to Do if Your County is Not Listed

If your county is not listed, you still have until October 25, 2024, to submit a SNAP replacement request. This extension is especially helpful for low-income families who may have evacuated due to the storm, as it provides a means to replace food lost during the disaster.

You can submit the SNAP replacement request form online via the Georgia Department of Human Services website: SNAP Replacement Request Form.

This waiver offers crucial support for those affected by Hurricane Helene, ensuring that low-income families can access the food they need during this challenging time.

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